Just a day after the UCF men’s tennis team learned they would be getting a new coach, the women’s team received the same news.

Head women’s tennis coach Stephanie Nickitas announced her decision to retire from her position today, finishing her career with a 105-80 record throughout nine seasons with the Knights.

“We greatly appreciate the efforts of Coach Nickitas during her tenure at UCF,” Director of Athletics Danny White said in a press release. “Stephanie laid a solid foundation for this program to build upon as we move forward. We wish Stephanie all the best in her future endeavors.”

In her time with the program, she reached new heights. In 2016, she helped the Knights obtain their highest seed in a conference championship since 2005; in 2013, the team ranked as high as No. 64 nationally.

Her ability to help her athletes in the classroom was apparent, as she had eight All-AAC Academic Team representatives and 19 players that earned C-USA Academic Honor Roll throughout her tenure as head coach.

“I leave UCF with the fondest of memories and as difficult as it is to walk away, I am thrilled for what’s ahead,” Nickitas said in the release. “The hardest part is saying goodbye to the team. I cherish all the relationships I have formed and am so proud of what these young ladies have accomplished, both on the court and in the classroom.”

During her college playing career, Nickitas was a six-time All-American at the University of Florida and was a member of the Gators’ 1996 and 1998 National Championship squads.

Director of Athletics Danny White will have his hands full again, as he now is tasked with finding both a men’s and women’s head tennis coach. Thus far, he has filled head coaching vacancies in women's basketball, men's basketball and football.

------

Matthew Saunders is the Sports Editor for the Central Florida Future. Email him at matthews@centralfloridafuture.com.